AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt raises questions over Germany’s political centre
Broadcasters projected the far-right party to take 44 per cent, but its path to forming a state government remains unresolved.
Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) has emerged as the leading party in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, according to projections reported by France 24 International, prompting concern from senior officials in Poland and France.
The anti-immigration party was projected to win 44 per cent of the vote, compared with about 18 per cent for the centre-right CDU. The AfD fell just short of an absolute majority, leaving its ability to form a state government unclear.
An AfD-led government would be Germany’s first regional government headed by a far-right party since the Second World War. The party is described as pro-Trump and Moscow-friendly, while Germany’s domestic intelligence agency officially lists it as “right-wing extremist”.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski called the result “a very worrying sign”. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure described it as a “very, very worrying signal” and said the result reflected the challenge posed by a populist wave.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz was due to meet his CDU party on Monday to discuss the defeat. Final results and possible coalition arrangements will determine whether the AfD can translate its projected first-place finish into control of the state government.
